WRAP: Murray will rue a missed opportunity in the second set when he had a stranglehold over Djokovic and had the world No 1 rattled. A pesky feather also did for the British No 1 in the crucial second-set tie-break when it upset his rhythm, led to a double-fault and allowed Djokovic to comfortably level the match. From that moment on, Djokovic raised his levels and didn't allow Murray a look on his serve. Incredibly the first break of serve didn't arrive until the eighth game of the third set when Djokovic broke for a 5-3 lead. With Murray looking weary in the fourth there was only to be one winner and Djokovic deservably went on to close out the match for a historic third-straight Australian Open title and his fourth overall. No tears from Murray in the post-match interview, he's made of sterner stuff these days and will be back again to challenge for more major honours in the coming months.

12.43 After plenty of waffling from the sponsors and organisers, finally Murray and Djokovic get a chance to have their say.

Murray: I'd like to congratulate Novak, few people have managed to do what he has done here and he's a deserving champion. I'd like to thank the crowd, it's a pleasure to play here, you're extremely fair too. I'll see you guys next year. Thank you.

Djokovic: What a joy. It's an incredible feeling winning it a third time. It is my favourite grand slam and I love this court.

12.25 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 Murray Djokovic moves Murray side-to-side but then puts a straight-forward volley into the net. Murray passes his rival on the next to move 30-love up and the crowd are loving it. Djokovic has fortune on his side as he finds the tape with an overhead volley, but it lands in Murray's side. And then he toys with Murray at the baseline again for 30-all. The Serb brings up championship point when Murray hits into the net, and he takes it when Murray again can't get his next return back. DJOKOVIC WINS THIRD STRAIGHT AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOR FIRST TIME IN OPEN ERA

Reaction from reader Eileen Damsell on email:

This is why Djokovic continues to be No 1. Murray can take lot of positives from tournament as he beat Federer first time in a Slam.

12.20 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 5-2 Murray* Djokovic isn't looking to conserve his energy and serve out the contest as he pulls off a great pick up and drop shot and then drives a forehand winner home to trail 40-30 on Murray's serve. But he will be forced to serve it out as Murray holds.

12.17 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 5-1 Murray Aggressive play from Murray as he takes on Djokovic's serve and moves to 30-love, he needs two breaks to get himself back into this set and he hasn't even notched up one this match so far. Djokovic makes up for missing a first serve with an inch-perfect forehand which Murray can't reach for 30-all and puts Murray back in his box with a strong first serve and dash to the net. He takes a fourth straight point to move to within one game of a hat-trick of Australian Open titles and his fourth overall.

12.10 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 4-1 Murray* As Murray wilts, Djokovic moves up a gear and is punishing the British No 1 with some heavy groundstrokes. Murray goes for a backhand winner but it swings just wide before Murray is on the board when Djokovic is pushed into going long. Djokovic wrongly challenges a call to give Murray a reprieve for 40-30 but slaps a forehand back with purpose past Djokovic which goes long and takes it to deuce. A stray ball which falls from Murray's pocket forces a point to be replayed with advantage Murray but more brutal hitting from Djokovic takes it back to deuce. Djokovic incredibly hangs in the next point with some great defensive work to set up another break point, and Murray double-faults at the crucial moment to hand Djokovic another break. DJOKOVIC BREAKS AGAIN

12.02 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 3-1 Murray Djokovic apologises for a drop shot which clips the net and drops into Murray's side but affects his timing and he hits his drop-shot wide. Murray pulls at his hamstring as he hits another forehand into the net and this final is ebbing away from him as Djokovic wraps up the game.

11.56 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 2-1 Murray* Oh no, the error counts are creeping up for Murray and a fourth double fault of the match gives Djokovic 30-15. The Serb steps into a forehand and whips it down the line for two more break points. He does his best to get something on a booming serve from Murray but it flies well wide. After plenty of slicing and dicing, Murray needlessly whacks the ball into the net. DJOKOVIC BREAKS AGAIN

11.52 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 1-1 Murray Some sloppy play from Djokovic allows Murray a look in at 30-love but he's grimacing on the next point as he over-eggs a return. Another baseline slug-fest ensues but goes Djokovic's way when a challenge is over-ruled for 30-all but Djokovic goes for a winner and misses to give Murray a first break point opening. It's gone in a flash as he can't get a service-return back in, and a serve-volley later brings up game point for Djokovic. Another mighty first serve and the danger is averted.

<noframe>Twitter: Jamie Murray - Massive hold for Andy there. Needs to get some momentum back. Novak looking really strong in the last hour.</noframe>

11.46 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 0-1 Murray* Approaching three hours on court and after a good moan to the umpire at the end of the last set to 'do something' about the ill-timed cries of support on Rod Laver is still playing on his mind as he slips 30-love behind. He tries to gee himself up with a 'come on' cry of his own and it works as he takes the next three points. Despite being pegged back to deuce, he holds strong and a great pick up and drop shot at the net gives him advantage before he sees out the game.

<noframe>Twitter: Irvine Welsh - Djokovic looking at Murray like he was a posh kid outside a scheme chippy at midnight.</noframe>

Telegraph's Emily Benammar's view on Rod Laver:

Murray not looking comfortable on court and now it's him looking over to his camp in disbelief. Every movement he is making on that foot is causing him to grimace and he is in real danger of unravelling. He's now conversing with the chair umpire complaining of crowd members heckling, the Brit frustrated that a simple warning of "please be quiet" is not enough. He is out of the zone and needs to re-group sharpish.

11.39 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-3 Murray Djokovic is flying and races to three set points before an over-eager fan shouts something out and throws Djokovic's concentration. It's only momentarily, mind, as he takes the next point. DJOKOVIC WINS THIRD SET

11.36 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 5-3 Murray* Energy-levels restored and both men settle back into their baseline battles and Murray loses the opening point after a gruelling 36-stroke rally when Djokovic's winner nestles nicely inside the court. Murray flashes a volley wide to move a mini-break down and is staring at three break points when Djokovic catches him off balance and all at sea on the baseline. Djokovic squanders the first by hitting into the net, and misses the next by going long. A noise from the crowd throws Murray's concentration and he misses the next first serve and Djokovic leaps on the second serve and forces Murray into an error. There, Heather Watson, are you happy now?! DJOKOVIC BREAKS FOR FIRST TIME IN MATCH

11.29 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 4-3 Murray A couple of tired-looking errors from Murray are mixed with a backhand winner from out wide which draws applause from Djokovic. Djokovic flashes his own backhand winner which fizzes past Murray and he edges back in front.

<noframe>Twitter: Heather Watson - No breaks of serve so far.. Who will break first? Or will there be none? <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=AusOpen" target="_blank">#AusOpen</a></noframe>

11.25 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 3-3 Murray* The standard has slightly dipped this set, not surprising both players will want to recharge their batteries. Murray races to 40-love again and what looks a straight forward game before Djokovic is back in at 30. Murray tries to pick himself up with a couple of 'come on' cries which aren't a patch on local boy Lleyton Hewitt's but this set, just like the two previously, remains on serve.

11.20 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 3-2 Murray Murray takes advantage of a slip-up on the baseline by Djokovic and swipes a winner loaded with top-spin for 15-all. Any hopes of a look at a break point are swatted aside as Djokovic rattles off three points in a row to head for his chair with his nose in front again.

No pain, no gain: Murray said he wanted to feel the pain

11.17 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 2-2 Murray* Djokovic attempts a cheeky drop shot to really test Murray's ankle but it lands short and Murray has another game on the board, this time to love.

11.13 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 2-1 Murray We're still to see either man broken tonight and Murray doesn't get close again on Djokovic's serve as an uneventual game (in terms of the standard of this final and this duo) passes by.

11.11 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 1-1 Murray* A bitty opening service game from Murray who allows Djokovic back to 30 before producing a body-serve to contain the Serb.

11.07 *Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 1-0 Murray Murray took a medical time-out at the end of the second set to have some strapping applied to his right ankle to mask a painful blister but it's not affecting him in the opening game of the third as he appears to be able to move freely round the baseline. Djokovic is back on song though, and a lot calmer and a hold to 15 is just what he wanted.

Telegraph's Emily Benammar's view on Rod Laver:

There has been genuine concern for the most part of this second set about the well being of Djokovic's racket, the Serb has a fierce look in his eye and his camp in the crowd are on the receiving end of it. He's not hiding his frustration, first came the left-footed punt of the ball up and into the crowd, then came the look of death in the direction of the linesman that called his double fault and finally came the hand gestures as though his erratic strokes were someone else's fault.

As they say in Scotland however, nay bother, Murray hits a third double fault of the set to give Djokovic a comfy lead in the tie-break before he wraps it up 7-3. Rod Laver is deafening, neither player getting more support than the other, this crowd want one thing and one thing only, a five setter.

10.58 Djokovic 6-7, 7-6 Murray Tie-break: Murray steals an early advantage in the second tie-break of the match, but this time on his own serve. Djokovic lands the next two points on his serve to edge ahead for the first time in the set and when a floating feather upsets Murray's vision he produces a double-fault to slip 3-2 behind. Murray finds the tramlines on the next point as Djokovic moves to a two-point cushion, but Murray hangs in the tie-break when Djokovic hits long for 5-3 but finds himself three set points behind when he can't hang in a gruelling baseline tussle. Djokovic takes it on his next serve to square the match. DJOKOVIC WINS SECOND SET

10.49 *Djokovic 6-7, 6-6 Murray Murray tries to pull off an audicious lob which is loaded with top-spin but it lands outside the court. Djokovic tightens up as he produces another double fault to bring Murray back to 30-all but he sees off a set point opening when he charges into the net and dispatches a volley. How are your nerves? Another tie-break awaits us...

10.44 Djokovic 6-7, 5-6 Murray* Murray drills his seventh ace of the match down the T to edge infront at 30-15 and Djokovic has a moan at the umpire when he feels aggrieved that a line call never materialised. Two further errors from Djokovic and the pressure is back on the Serb who shouts at himself at the changeover. I can't remember the last time I saw Djokovic so angry and so animated.

10.40 *Djokovic 6-7, 5-5 Murray Djokovic stares down at the court as Murray flashes a winner past him to edge 15-0 up. The Scot does his best to pass his rival again as he gets something on a volley from Djokovic but that would've been ridiculous if he'd have made that. Murray finds himself pinned behind the baseline on the next as aggressive play from the Serb keeps him at bay and he digs deep and wins four points in a row.

<noframe>Twitter: Irvine Welsh - I'll probably have a few 'unforced errors' myself if it stays this tense.</noframe>

10.35 Djokovic 6-7, 4-5 Murray* The British No 1 is a man in a hurry out there on his service game, banging first serve down after first serve and not allowing Djokovic a look in. This is where he was so dominant against Federer the other night. It's deja vu all over again as Murray rushes to 40-love then produces another double fault. But again it doesn't matter.

10.32 *Djokovic 6-7, 4-4 Murray Murray steps into a short return but whacks it into the net for 15-15 and he knows he's missed a chance there. Djokovic edges a net exchange and has levels the set with some strong first serving.

10.28 Djokovic 6-7, 3-4 Murray* Murray dances round one backhand to move onto his forehand and drill a winner down the line for 30-0. Djokovic fires a service return into the net but Murray gives him a free point with his first double fault of the night. It doesn't matter as Djokovic hits long to hand him the game.

<noframe>Twitter: Chris Hoy - They really should kick out the guy in the crowd making balloon models. The squeaking must be distracting the players.</noframe>

10.25 *Djokovic 6-7, 3-3 Murray That fit of pique in the last game has energised Djokovic and he produces a comfortable hold to stay in touch in the set.

10.19 Djokovic 6-7, 2-3 Murray* Djokovic releashes his anger by letting fly at a loose ball with his left foot. He affords himself a brief smile but it masks over the venom that he had in his boot, this has clearly got to give Murray a boost, he's rattled the defending champion and another comfortable hold will only make Djokovic even more frustrated. If this was Roland Garros, Djokovic might have drawn a few jeers from the crowd. It's not. Melbourne is more forgiving, unless you're Victoria Azarenka that is.

Telegraph's Emily Benammar on Rod Laver ponders:

Was that for Alessandro Del Piero's benefit? The Sydney FC player is in the crowd tonight and Djokovic has just gone from tennis player to footballer momentarily after hoofing the ball sky high as another ground stroke goes long.

10.15 *Djokovic 6-7, 2-2 Murray Murray shakes his head as Djokovic fires down an ace for a 40-15 advantage. This set has been lacking in baseline duels so far with both men cutting short the points. Djokovic's unforced errors count continues to creep up and allows Murray back in at deuce. Murray swats a return and it slaps the tape and hits long on the next as Djokovic hangs in again.

10.10 *Djokovic 6-7, 1-2 Murray It's more composed serving out there from Murray who is clearly buoyed by taking that opening set. He's edging this contest now and has Djokovic pondering what he needs to do to get back into the final. He holds to 30.

A case of new-shoes required rather than new-balls for Djokovic? Emily Benammar comments:

Djokovic is struggling with his shoes, almost as though he is playing in wellies the way he's trudging around..and continues to keep fiddling with them..

<noframe>Twitter: Beyond The Baseline - Novak Djokovic is looking into the mirror right now. Must be weird to see himself so pale. <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=ausopen" target="_blank">#ausopen</a></noframe>

10.06 *Djokovic 6-7, 1-1 Murray Djokovic brings something new to his game this second set: grunting and groaning. A clear indication he's affected by those missed break point openings in the first set. A handful of unforced errors and strong play from Murray, and the Scot has three break points. Murray finally misses a ball to squander the first and sweeps a backhand wide on the next. Djokovic hangs in to bat away the third at the net and rattles off a fourth-straight point for advantage with a gliding forehand which lands flush on the line. Two deuces later and a gutsy Djokovic is up and running this set.

09.58 Djokovic 6-7, 0-1 Murray* Murray is quick out of the blocks and applying the pressure on Djokovic as he rattles through the opening game of the second set to love.

Marc Melander is enjoying what he's seeing from Murray:

Fabulous from Murray. Fascinating to see Djokovic giving despairing glances at his coach when it used to be Murray visibly draining in confidence and seeking help from his entourage.

The Telegraph's Emily Benammar's view from Rod Laver:

Some quizzical looks being exchanged in this media area on Rod Laver, this is not the first set anyone was expecting. As it did at Flushing Meadows it went to a tie break but it could not have played out any differently, in the US it went to 12-10, this was wrapped up in minutes by Murray and it finally gave the Rod Laver crowd something to cheer about...other than Murray's cheer squad and the poor women standing behind the Scot that received a Djokovic serve to the face. The first 12 games were not greeted by oohhhs and wows but groans and shakes of the head.

<noframe>Twitter: OptaJim - 3 - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andy_murray" target="_blank">@andy_murray</a> has now won the opening set of the last three Grand Slam finals. Start.</noframe>

09.53 Djokovic 6-7 Murray Tie-break: Murray played two poor tie-breaks against Federer on Friday, but Djokovic's second double fault of the night gives the Scot an early edge. An injection of speed causes Djokovic to panic as he moves 2-0 up and that's a third-straight point he collects when Djokovic over-hits a forehand. Murray forces Djokovic into another error on the next despite being reluctant to enter the net when the opening presented itself. But he can't deny Djokovic another baseline duel as the world No 1 works himself into a winning position and pulls it back to 4-1. A forlorn Djokovic looks to his camp as the players exchange ends after over-hitting another return and Murray brings up five set points with a sweeping cross-court winner. Murray tries to pounce on a second serve but Djokovic saves one set point but Murray takes the opening set when Djokovic makes another unforced error after 68 minutes of play. MURRAY WINS FIRST SET

09.44 Djokovic 6-6 Murray* Murray and Djokovic exchange unforced errors before Djokovic has another glimpse of a break and closing out the set when Murray attempts to pass his rival but his timing if off. The net tape aids Murray by denying Djokovic of a break-point opening as the ball lands in the Serb's court and Murray brings up game point on the next. Murray takes it to a tie-break when Djokovic can't get enough on a service return.

09.38 *Djokovic 6-5 Murray Djokovic has all the time in the world to send an over-head volley down out of Murray's reach and produces a great forehand winner on his next serve for 40-0. A first double-fault of the night gifts Murray a free point but the Brit hands him the game when he goes long.

09.35 Djokovic 5-5 Murray* While Federer didn't have any answers to Murray's majestic serving in the semis, Djokovic is able to get plenty of returns in. Some good defensive play ensures a more comfortable service game for Murray and he needed that.

09.29 *Djokovic 5-4 Murray Murray gets caught in two minds but opts for a drop shot and it loops into the net to open the game. A wayward return which doesn't even make the tramlines puts Djokovic in control at 30-15 and loses the next two points.

The Queen of Melbourne

09.25 Djokovic 4-4 Murray* Murray is blowing hard out there after just 40 minutes on court and is staring at another break point when Djokovic correctly challenges a return which looked well out, and was. Aggressive play from Murray brings him to deuce as he surges to the net and fires home a volley. A couple of strong first serves and Murray stays in touch.

09.19 *Djokovic 4-3 Murray Djokovic isn't giving Murray an inch and is pouncing on any short return. Murray tries to take advantage of a Djokovic slip but the Serb is back up in a flash, gets to Murray's forehand return and has Murray scampering to reach a return which he makes incredibly before Djokovic delivers the knockout punch with a drop-shot winner. One word: sublime. Murray was right when he said if he wasn't feeling pain against Djokovic it won't be a great game. This is already shaping up to be a sight to behold. Djokovic doesn't have any problems serving out to edge ahead again.

09.14 Djokovic 3-3 Murray* Djokovic responds to Murray's chip and charge to net in typical fashion with a fantastic cross-court winner which flashes past the Brit and he moves to a mini-break up by taking the next. Murray scampers to chase down another return, but this time Djokovic hasn't found the line and it's a let-off for him. Murray over-eggs a backhand after another baseline tussle as Djokovic earns himself two break points. A first serve goes wide but he saves one break when Djokovic goes long. He saves a second when Murray switches it up and catches Djokovic unawares on the baseline. Djokovic has a third break point chance when he bullies Murray with some deep-hitting groundstrokes but again Murray throws his rival off balance. Desperate stuff now as Murray stares at a fourth break point but the Serb blinks first at another baseline slug and we're back to deuce. Even if this is won in straight sets it could still go three or four hours. Finally, Murray has game point with a strong first serve and he sees off the danger with an ace.

09.03 *Djokovic 3-2 Murray Murray pegs Djokovic back to 30-all when the defending champ hits a regulation backhand into the tape for his seventh unforced error. He responds in the only way he knows how, taking on a forehand and whipping a winner which Murray can only get his racket head onto. A loose volley brings Murray back in at deuce but the Scot can't make the most of a passing opportunity but the world No 1 produces his own sublime passing winner from an acute angle as the first set remains on serve.

<noframe>Twitter: Live Tennis - People already standing in some parts of Rod Laver Arena after that last winner from <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=Djokovic" target="_blank">#Djokovic</a> <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=AusOpen" target="_blank">#AusOpen</a></noframe>

08.58 Djokovic 2-2 Murray* Both players are dressed all in black for the finale which begs the question: why not have home and away strips? Murray is into his service rhythm early on and another comfortable hold, this time to love will give him plenty of confidence.

Graham Temple on whether Murray can become world No 1:

Whether it is Novak or Murray who is no.1 the other will be snapping at the heels and I reckon there will be a big gap to number 3 before long.

08.54 *Djokovic 2-1 Murray A couple of punishing groundstrokes keep Murray on the back foot but he sees an opening and drags himself back in at 40-30 by dancing into the court and sweeping home a winner. Djokovic contains the British No 1 with a second ace.

Don't know how much Andy will appreciate this tweet:

<noframe>Twitter: Svetlana Kuznetsova - Its crazy how Andy looks like his mom so much!</noframe>

08.50 Djokovic 1-1 Murray* A string of overhit returns and Murray races to 40-0 and gets his own service game up and running without any problems. He takes it when Djokovic goes for another winner but misses the line.

08.47 *Djokovic 1-0 Murray (*denotes next server) Murray up and running with a forehand winner down the line before Djokovic gets on the board with an ace and follows it up with some strong first serving. A sole Scottish voice cries out for Murray to 'get to it' but he hits long and Djokovic holds.

08.35 Ok, here we go then just minutes away from the action. Murray is leading Djokovic through the corridors to the Rod Laver Arena just as he did on Friday night against Federer. A good omen already? Both men get an eagerly vocal roar as they enter and take their seats.

One of our Telegraph correspondents, Emily Benammar, on the ground in Melbourne says:

Murray and Djokovic in very similar outfits this evening, fantastic atmosphere on Rod Laver, full house and 15,000+ people hoping for another five set epic from this pair. No favouritism form the crowd as the players come on court to roarring applause, plenty of blue and white corners and just as many red, blue and white. The pros seem to be just favouring Djokovic for this...let's see.

08.20Here's what both players are saying ahead of tonight's contest:

Murray: I've been questioned for large parts of my career about physically would I be strong enough, mentally would it be strong enough, do I listen to my coaches, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, whatever it is, can I handle pressure. I think those years of having all of those questions and then finally to be able to answer them I think it was all part of the process.

Djokovic on their rivalry: I don't know that when we were 11 we knew what a rivalry was at the time. As we developed, we improved our games, we improved as athletes, as people, and it's nice to see somebody that you grew up with doing so well.

On what an 11 year-old Murray was like: "He had quite a lot of hair, a lot of curly hair. He was also quite pale. He got more sun over the years training in Barcelona. He has more of a tan now than when he was a junior."

...and this is how Melbourne Park are getting fans in the mood for the blockbuster.

08.05 Either man will make history tonight. Murray would become the first player in the Open era to follow up a first major victory by winning the next available grand slam crown, while Djokovic is striving to become the first player to win three successive Australian Open titles.

Three-times champ in Melbourne, Mats Wilander, has his say on what Murray needs to do to deny Djokovic:

Andy’s best call is to throw a bit of the old Andy in there, which should be really fun. He has more options than Novak, and he needs to use them. Not to try to bully Novak all the time but to change the pace, to use his touch.

07.50 Murray has had a day less than Djokovic to recover for today's final and spent two-and-a-half hours more on court than his rival during his semi-final battle with Roger Federer. The British No 1's camp have got his recovery process fine-tuned. Just hope they didn't let this doctor get involved.

Is there a doctor in the house? The Djoker provided 'medical assistance' to France's Henri LeConte after he asked for a time out during a legends doubles game on Thursday.

07.30 So here we are then. The triology in the Andy Murray-Novak Djokovic grand slam final series awaits us. With one major apiece from their duels, which way is this episode going to swing and what twists will it produce? Of course, we might not have had this day if Stanislas Wawrinka would have dethroned Djokovic in their drama-filled contest last Sunday. While Murray serenely walked his way into the semi-finals, the world No 1 looked on course to check out of his Melbourne hotel earlier than expected as he struggled to get over the line against the Swiss. It's been plain sailing for him since with straight-forward wins over Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer to get to this point, and while the three-time champion is slight favourite for today's contest, there's not much to choose between the two players. Who are you backing? Email Vicki Hodges with your predictions.